I apologize beforehand if this fic gets...um, confusing. Also, I hope I've got characterizations all right...
I. Cecil – A Gathering of Warriors
Never in all my life did I think I would see such a sight as the one before me. Hundreds of warriors and mages, men and women alike, spread out in the grand courtyard before this unknown castle.
I looked around, moving past a small group of brightly dressed adventurers excitedly talking amongst themselves. As I passed them, I caught a glimpse of a woman with long light purple hair slapping one of the men in their group.
There were other similar groups scattered across the yard, some huddled together, others openly trying to befriend those form other groups. I wondered where my own friends were; I had not seen any of them since arriving in this odd world.
Suddenly, the entire courtyard fell into silence, prompting me to look up and towards where everyone was turning. The castle's grand doors had opened and a woman had taken her place at the top of the castle steps. A young man dressed in blue armor stood just before her, gray eyes stoically scanning the crowd.
She was likely the queen while he, her knight.
"The Lady Cosmos," announced the young man, gesturing to the woman as he moved away to stand at the side of the steps instead. His hand rested upon the hilt of his sword, eyes sending a challenge to all of us.
The woman—Cosmos—stepped forward, bathing those nearest to the steps in golden light. She was literally glowing, from her golden hair to her pale skin wrapped in a white dress. Even her blue eyes shone with her own light. I was quite far from her, and yet, I could sense some sort of holy power in her.
"My dear warriors," she began. Her voice was soft and melodic yet enforced with power so as to fill the courtyard. "I am the goddess Cosmos, maintainer of order and balance in the many worlds that exist."
No one said anything, likely as awed as I was at being addressed by a goddess.
"The god of discord, Chaos, has begun a war against me," she continued, "He has summoned warriors from across the world to fight for him. Thus, I too have done so." Here, she opened her arms, gesturing out at all of us. "I have summoned you. All of you, with the hope that you will aid me in this war."
She began to descend the steps, and the crowd parted for her, shrinking away from her. A frown flickered across the knight's face for a moment, before he hurried after her, falling in time behind her.
"My dear warriors," she said, reaching out to touch what looked to be a young Black Mage. He shied away from her, and she only closed her eyes briefly before moving along. "This war that Chaos has begun threatens the existence of every man, woman and child present here today, as well as those who have not been summoned. I implore you, each and every one of you, please, fight for me."
Cosmos stopped, just before me. I gazed at her for a moment from behind my dark armor, and she appeared to be looking me over. I could feel the curious gazes of all those around me, likely wondering why there was a Dark Knight in their midst.
I moved aside with a low bow, and she continued on, offering me no second glance. As I straightened myself, the knight passed by, sending me a sharp look ever so briefly.
"So, what do we get if we do fight for you?" said someone from near the back. Looking over the many, different colored heads, I saw a young man with unkempt brown hair, held back loosely with only a bandana.
"Defeating Chaos may not benefit each of you individually," said Cosmos, turning away from the crowd and moving back towards the stairs, "But know that his warriors are gathered from your own worlds as well. It is likely that Chaos has promised them whatever they so choose if they win this war for him.
"I can make no such promise of riches or power or other rewards," she said as she reached the steps and turned to us once more, "But should these champions of Chaos succeed, then your home-world will likely be in grave danger. Such is also the reason I have chosen each of you—you have each contributed to the protection of your own world at some point in time already."
"Meaning everyone's here a hero or something?" asked someone nearby to me, a man with spiked-back dark hair and bright blue eyes, "That's kinda cool!"
"The Warrior of Light will entertain any further questions you may have," said Cosmos with a soft smile and gesturing towards the knight, who now stood at the foot of the steps, "I must attend to some matters. Once again, I ask of all of you, please fight for me."
And suddenly, she was gone. Disappearing behind the doors as they shut behind her. The knight—the so-called Warrior of Light—hurried to stand before them, a hand still resting on the hilt of his sword. In an instant, the many people around me were rushing forward, shouting questions, yelling. I found myself being pushed away from the Warrior in the confusion, towards the edge of the crowd.
"Shut up, all of you!" a woman screeched, her voice somehow amplified over the noise. A low rumble filled the air, and somehow, a sort of rip appeared in the sky, tearing it open to reveal darkness as water came gushing out, and a familiar dragon-like creature burst through the tear.
Leviathan roared, and more water came rushing out, engulfing everyone. I gasped for breath, flailing in the water and knocking into someone. I coughed as the water subsided, leaving everyone soaked in its wake.
…had that been Rydia?
"Clever of that woman," said someone nearby, likely the one I had knocked into. As I pulled myself to my feet, I glanced over, and nearly fell back down when I saw who it was.
The Warrior of Light was looking straight at me, head cocked to one side as he looked me over. I had expected him to be angry about this disturbance, but no, instead, I saw faint amusement in his eyes. Somehow, he had managed to stay dry.
"Cecil Harvey, of Earth?" he asked.
"…yes?"
"I'm afraid I must confess something to you," he said quietly, throwing a glance at the recovering warriors behind him, "There is an extra reason as to your being summoned here. Please, walk with me."
At this, he turned and began walking away, towards the crowd. Not knowing what else to do, I hurried after him, very much aware of the curious looks I was receiving as we made our way through the still very much wet crowd. Several were drying themselves off with whatever they had at hand, including, but not limited to, capes, cloaks, and scarves. Said endeavor was quite useless, due to said materials being soaked along with their owners.
"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, when we had reached the steps of the castle. Behind us, I could hear someone casting fire spells, and several screaming. The Warrior of Light twitched.
"What is there to be sorry for?" I asked him, pulling off my helm. From somewhere behind me, I heard an odd squealing sound.
His eyes narrowed at my action, but he said nothing about it. "We have received reports," he said grimly, "that your brother is among those summoned by Chaos. He is, supposedly, the fourth champion."
"What?" My mind slowed, and bits of memory flashed before my eyes. The last time I had seen my brother… We had parted ways, just after our defeating Zeromus. He chose the Lunarians; I had chosen to stay on Earth. Just after finding each other again…now I would have to fight him once more.
We missed years of each other's life and company. Was it possible that our being summoned to such a war had been preordained as a chance for the two of us? Will I be able to spend more time with my brother?
"The fourth champion?" I asked. It was better if I did not give out information about Golbez unless asked. Too many strangers here, and I would rather not give out such…personal information.
("…oh, yeah, my big brother was on the side of evil. Looks like he's my enemy again. Hey, maybe we can ask him to spy for us…oh, hey did you know? He brainwashed my best friend and kidnapped my girlfriend! But turns out he was just being controlled too and he's really a nice guy after all!")
…best keep personal information away from prying ears.
"Yes, the fourth champion," said the Warrior, eyes still narrowed at me, "Out of the hundreds Chaos has summoned, he has chosen ten as his champions. They are, presumably the most powerful. As such, Lady Cosmos too, has decided to choose ten champions to serve her personally and to serve as the greatest opponents to the ten."
"What does this have to do with me?" I asked.
"You are the only one from your world who could hold your own against your brother," he answered, "We want you to be one of our champions."
"It is…an honor," I said cautiously. Briefly, I thought of my friends and added, "But surely there are others who would better—"
"Kain Highwind is not among those Cosmos has chosen," he snapped, "And neither is Rosa Farrell. There is a reason you are being asked, and that is because you are from the precise same world as your brother."
How did he know about Kain? And Rosa for that matter? Was this Cosmos's doing? Did the Warrior know everything about everyone here? I sighed, replacing my helmet.
"Very well," I said, "I accept your offer."
His eyes gleamed, as though he were amused. "Good," he said, "But that was never just an offer." With that, he turned and reentered the castle, cape flying behind him and leaving me to watch after him as the doors shut after him as well.
Somehow, I knew that there was more to this 'war' than what Cosmos had told us.
"Pass the booze!!" someone hollered as I walked by their table. I was in the large dining hall that the Warrior had taken us to, and already many had begun to eat and start the merrymaking. Considering how everyone was supposedly from different worlds, I suppose such eager mingling was progress.
"There ain't no booze here! No way they'll give you the booze! They're probably keeping it for themselves!" shouted someone from a different table, sending most of the room into laughter. I could only offer a weak smile as I wandered around. I wanted to see if I knew anyone here.
I did not have to search for long.
"YOU!!!" screeched a woman from behind me. I turned just in time to see something green barreling towards me—
I groaned, blinking at the woman sitting on me. She was clad entirely in green; even her wild hair and eyes were green. I knew this face far too well.
"Rydia," I said, "It's nice to see you again—"
"Don't you dare act friendly with me!" she snapped, glaring at me with blazing eyes, "You destroyed my town! You murdered my family! You ruined my life!"
"Rydia," I said gently, frowning inwardly. The Rydia I knew had long since forgiven both Kain and I. She knew we both regretted that incident, unintentional or otherwise, and she trusted me. And I loved her as a sister (though I would likely have loved her as a daughter had she not grown up so quickly…).
"Oh so now the almighty king of Baron acknowledges me!" She pointed at me threateningly, poking me in the chest. I took a step backwards and breathed in deeply. "I wish Titan finished you off!" she added.
"That's not what you really wish, is it?" I asked, "Have you forgotten all that we've gone through together? Defeating Zeromus—you returned to Mist after, right?"
She blinked, staring at me for a moment.
"You're mad. You've gone mad," she finally declared, "You and I? Defeat Zeromus together? Ha!"
I reached out for her, trying to grasp her shoulder at least. "That is what I remember."
She began to laugh, batting my hands away. Just then, I noticed the many eyes on us, most questioning, some accusing, few indifferent. I wished Rosa were with me.
"Why," she began, "Would Zeromus' right hand man attempt to defeat him with the very rebels he was tasked to quash?"
"…what?" I blinked at her, my mouth open. Me? Zeromus' right hand man? Where had she gotten such a…impossible…idea? Rydia knew how hard we had all fought to defeat him. She knew all that we had gone through. There was no chance I would ever fight for his side.
…he made my brother suffer.
"Stop this nonsense, Rydia" I said, a little too harshly, "You know that I've never been on Zeromus' side."
"You're lying!" she shouted, advancing towards me and sending some people nearby to their feet as they prepared to stop a possible fight.
"There you are!" someone shouted from across the room. Looking to the side, I saw a familiar, thin, face, framed with golden hair. The man approaching us wore orange and green, a single-feathered cap on his head.
…Edward?
When he reached me, he bowed, much to my surprise. Rydia scowled, crossing her arms as those around seemed to settle back down. I took hold of Edward, asking him not to bow any longer. He blinked at me.
"Yes, of course," he murmured softly, "…is it possible that the rumors…"
He stopped when he noticed my curious gaze, instead hastily latching a hand onto Rydia's arm. She snarled at him, trying to jerk away, but his grip was surprisingly strong.
"Prince Harvey," he said, "I beg you, please, ignore the rebel wench. I shall make certain that she can do no harm."
……..What?
Did Edward just really…address me by only a title? Did he just…call Rydia a wench? Did he just imply that Rydia wanted to hurt me?
Two can play this game. Until I get some answers, it's best if they continue to think I'm whatsoever they think I am.
"Prince Von Muir," I said, "Your aid is not unappreciated. For that, I thank you for restraining the rebel."
Rydia snorted. Edward stared at me for a moment, before bursting into laughter.
"So the rumors are true!" he laughed, "The real Cecil Harvey would have been offended that I called him a mere prince…and he would have known that I am no longer a prince either, after his family destroyed mine. And he would certainly know…that I am no ally of Baron."
He sneered and pointed at me, causing me to move back instinctively.
"You've made a grave mistake, you most unfortunate imposter."
Er, yeah, remember that thing I mentioned in the warning of the Prologue chapter? About how there'll be AU stuff? That was in play from the start of the Prologue. Also, in case you were wondering, this fic is set in one of the previous wars of Dissidia.
So, like it? Hate it? Review please! Concrit is much appreciated!